Quick fixing system for an electric distribution box

ABSTRACT

Specially applicable in the scope of automobiles, it consists of providing the electric distribution box ( 1 ) with an extension ( 3 ) in the most solid area thereof, which is finished on its free end with a series of catches ( 4 - 4′ ) through which it can be coupled to a support ( 5 ) intended for being fixed to the vehicle frame, materialized in a metal sheet in turn incorporating on its free edge a pair of end tabs ( 7 ), internally adapting to the end catches ( 4 ) of the extension ( 3 ), and a pair of intermediate notches ( 7 ′), in turn intended for the tongue and groove receiving of the intermediate catches ( 4 ′) of the extension ( 3 ) of the box ( 1 ), such that the box and support can be tongue and groove coupled and uncoupled in a quick operation, through two imaginary Cartesian axes.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a fixing system for an electricdistribution box to its corresponding support, allowing said fixing tooccur extremely quickly, practically instantly, leaving said box andsupport immobilized on two imaginary axes perpendicular to one another,which ensures that the fixing is solid and effective, in addition toquick.

The system of the invention is especially applicable in the scope of theautomobile industry, especially for assembling electric distributionboxes in the suitable place in vehicles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the preferred practical scope of application of the invention, thatof fixing electric distribution boxes in automotive vehicles, the fixingof said boxes to their corresponding support is usually carried out withthe collaboration of screws which, passing through the bottom or a wallof the box, screw into complementary holes of the support.

Evidently, even though this type of fixing is effective in terms ofbeing an anchor for the boxes, it implies slow handling, substantiallyprolonging its assembly and negatively affecting costs.

Furthermore, it requires a reinforcement of the box in the screw downarea thereof to prevent the heads of the screws from becoming larger andexceeding the holes of the box.

An alternative solution is to fix the electric distribution boxes withthe collaboration of clamps, which complicates and increases the cost ofthe system even more.

The system proposed by the invention solves the problem previously setforth in a fully satisfactory manner, allowing the quick and effectivefixing of the box to its support, with an extremely simple and thereforeeconomical structure.

To this end and more specifically, said system is based on arranging anextension on the most solid part of the distribution box, duly orientedaccording to the location foreseen for the support and the position thebox must adopt, an extension reinforcing the structure of the box andfinished off on its free end with a series of fixing catches, preferablyfour of them, aligned and having different orientations, such that twoof them lock the support in the “Z” axis direction, whereas the othertwo lock it in the “Y/Z” directions.

Complementarily, the support is materialized in a metal sheet, suitablyconfigured for its prior fixing to the vehicle frame, a sheetincorporating on its free edge tabs and notches with a suitable shapeand dimension so as to receive and lock the catches of the extension ofthe box.

Extremely quick assembly and disassembly of the box with respect to itssupport is thus achieved through said catches and complementarytabs/notches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

To complement the description being made and for the purpose of helpingto better understand the features of the invention, according to apreferred practical embodiment thereof, a set of drawings is attached asan integral part of said description in which, with an illustrative andnon-limiting character, the following is shown: FIG. 1 shows an explodedperspective view of an electric distribution box provided with thefixing system constituting the object of the present invention, and itscomplementary support.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view similar to the previous one, but inwhich the box and support are duly assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the described figures, an electric distribution box (1) is shown,with a configuration tending to a rectangular prismatic configurationand with the collaboration of a cover (2) with a specific configuration,but the configuration of these elements (1) and (2) can evidently varywithout this affecting the essence of the invention in any way, which,in terms of the box, is specifically focused on the existence on themost solid part of its body (1) of an extension (3) which, in thepresent case, is placed on an imaginary plane perpendicular to thegeneral plane of the mouth of the body (1), but which can adopt anyother arrangement required by the features of the vehicle frame, anextension which, in any case, collaborates in making the body of the box(1) rigid or robust, and which also, in any case, is finished on itsfree end with a pair of end catches (4) which, with the edge of theextension (3), forms a type of “U” shape, in which another pair ofcatches (4′), coplanar to one another and perpendicular to the previousones, are arranged, as can be seen perfectly in FIG. 1.

This extension (3) of the electric distribution box (1-2) iscomplemented with a support (5) materialized in a metal sheet, dulyconfigured so as to be adapted and fixed to the vehicle frame, forexample through holes (6) for the passage of respective screws, saidsheet or support (5) being provided on its free edge with a pair of bentend tabs (7) intended for fitting in the “U” of the extension (3),specifically for being internally adapted to the end catches (4) of thelatter, and also being provided with a pair of intermediate notches (7′)in turn intended for receiving the catches (4′) of the extension (3) ofthe body of the box by means of insertion, thus achieving a doubleimmobilization of the box (1) with respect to the support (5), throughthe Y/Z axes in the case of catches (4′) and through the Z axis in thecase of catches (4).

As can be deduced from that previously set forth and as has already beenindicated previously, coupling of the extension (3) of the body (1) ofthe box to the support (5) is carried out by simple insertion, the sameas what occurs in its uncoupling, which makes these operations proveextraordinarily quick and simple, facilitating the assembly and makingit less expensive, without affecting the positional solidity orrobustness of the electric distribution box with respect to the support.

1-2. (canceled)
 3. An automotive electrical distribution box attachmentsystem comprising: an electrical distribution box having a body (1) anda lid (2), said body (1) having incorporated thereon a mountingextension (3) terminating in a plurality of mounting catches (4) and(4′) for mounting said electrical distribution box to an automobile; anda sheet metal mounting support bracket (5) adaptable to fixedly mountingto an automobile andhavingaplurality of complimentary catch receivingmeans (7) and (7′) providing mounting of said mounting catches (4) and(4′) of extension (3) of body (1) thereto.
 4. An automotive electricaldistribution box attachment system according to claim 3 wherein, thetermination of mounting extension (3) consists of two end catches (4)arranged to form a “U” configuration, and the two catches (4′) arecoplanar to one another and perpendicular to said two catches (4), andthe complimentary catch receiving means (7) consist of two end tabsadapted for receiving said catches (4) and where the receiving means(7′) consist of two notches adapted for receiving said catches (4′);whereby when mounted on the sheet metal mounting support bracket (5)catches (4) and (4′) immobilizing said electrical distribution box.